When and where is England's first game?

Harry Kane #9 of England looks on during the international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
England vs Croatia will be a grudge match at the World Cup 2026. (Image credit: Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel's men endured a more difficult week than they would have preferred off the pitch, but all is looking up now.

England are preparing for their Group L opener against Croatia at World Cup 2026, and recently re-located from Florida ahead of the match.

The Russia semi-final, in which England lost 2-1, will be repeated for their 2026 tournament opening game - but when and where is it?

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When and where is England's first game, against Croatia at the World Cup 2026

England squad during a training session.

England re-located from Florida to Missouri ahead of their Group L opener against Croatia at the World Cup. (Image credit: Getty Images)

England were robbed en-route to Kansas City earlier this week, losing a significant amount of inventory before the situation was resolved.

Tuchel's men have established their base in Missouri, where they will remain for the next three weeks at least, ahead of a Texas-set opening game against Croatia.

England manager Thomas Tuchel walking with a suitcase and a smile.

England were robbed en-route to Missouri this week, ahead of an opening game in Texas. (Image credit: Getty Images)

England will play their opening Group L face-off in Arlington, Texas, at the Dallas Stadium - one of the tournament's largest grounds.

The match will take place on Wednesday June 17, being broadcast at 9PM for British viewers.

The event will mark the second time that the Three Lions have faced off against Croatia at the World Cup, and is largely a grudge match after England's 2018 semi-final exit to the opposition.

Starting the World Cup strongly hasn't been too much of a difficulty for the Three Lions, having won four and drawn three of their last eight tournament openers.

The solitary loss in that time came against Italy at the 2014 edition - in a 2-1 defeat with Daniel Sturridge initially sending them a goal up.

Croatia skipper Luka Modric on the ball.

Croatia lead the head-to-head 1-0 at the World Cup, while England lead 2-0 at the UEFA European Championship. (Image credit: Getty Images)

In terms of World Cup appearances, England maintain a strong edge over the Croatians, boasting 17 tournaments to their opponent's seven.

The two have faced off three times previously in major international tournaments this century, with the head-to-head in England's favour.

The Three Lions have prevailed twice at the UEFA European Championship, while Croatia lead the World Cup head-to-head 1-0.

Kedar Bayley
Freelance Writer

Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.

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